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Clare Smith

Training Body & Soul

Back-To-School Health Tips and a Back-To-School Giveaway for You!

August 19, 2014

Is your household back to school yet? Mine will be later this week! This summer flew by–the fastest on record it feels–and we are already gearing up for the fall! This period of transition can be hard in many ways, so I want you to remember to give yourselves that permission to transition, but sometimes we just need a little organization and inspiration. I’m sharing 9 tips for how you and your family can get (or stay!) into a healthy routine for this year over at The Better Mom!

Your Back-To-School Body: Healthy tips for you and your family! : thebettermom.com and peak313.com

♥♥♥

And now for the giveaway! (I know I had one 2 weeks ago, but I can’t help it when good things come my way and I get to share them with you!) If you follow me on instagram or Facebook, you’ve seen me reference the market bag that I absolutely adore! I use it as a purse while I’m running errands and need to fit things like snacks and coupons in them! I got this bag (below) from a local company called Diengie Designs. You can read more about them here, but this sister and mama trio have bigger dreams than making bags! They desire to build a community center/headquarters so that it may reach single moms and their kids by providing jobs with on-site daycare, good wages, a cafeteria for lunches with their children and more! Don’t you love it!?

diengie designs Market Bag (GIVEAWAY!) : peak313.com

I use it when shopping at our local Farmer’s Market every Saturday!

diengie designs Market Bag:(GIVEAWAY) peak313.com

Also, check out the cute bracelet I have on. They made that too!

diengie designs Market Bag:(GIVEAWAY) peak313.com

I also own the key loop and a purse similar to this. I love all their stuff and I also love that all their designs are so unique!

diengie designs: peak313.com

diengie designs: key FOB : peak313.com

Their best seller, the market bag!

diengie designs: market bag

♥♥♥

I figured since it is back-to-school time, most of your money is going to supplies and clothing for everyone BUT you, so I wanted one person to win a little something for themselves! This darling cell phone pouch and key loop will be one lucky person’s gift! They made it just for our giveaway!

diengie designs (Back-to-school Giveaway!) : peak313.com

diengie designs (Back-to-school Giveaway!) : peak313.comBe sure to enter in the rafflecopter below!

(The rafflecopter makes it easier for me to randomly choose a winner!)

For those of you who are looking to do some early Christmas shopping, NOW IS THE TIME! They have graciously offered a special discount just for my Peak313 readers. Use code “PEAK313FREESHIP” on any of their products through the month of August for free shipping! Um–I’m heading over there!

Finally, be sure to check out diengie designs on Facebook and etsy!

The giveaway ends Sunday, August 24th at 12am so be sure to get your entries in!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: Featured, Reviews, Tips Tagged With: The Better Mom 119 Comments

About Clare

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:29 am

    I love it all!! The colors, the smells, the crisp air, the fall foods. Everything!!!

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    August 19, 2014 at 8:07 am

    I love the smell of the air and the perfect running, sewing, and knitting weather!

    Reply
  3. Janelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:21 am

    What do I love about fall? Just about everything! The cooler weather, the changing leaves, everything pumpkin, football season, boots, scarves and more!

    Reply
  4. Alicia says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:16 am

    The beautiful colors 🙂

    Reply
  5. Gina Zahra says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:18 am

    It is my favourite season…cozy clothes, pumpkin latte’s, just everything 🙂

    Reply
  6. Joy says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:24 am

    Fall is my favorite time of the year! I love to see God change the colors of the trees!!

    Reply
  7. Amy B. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:28 am

    It’s hard to pick just one thing~I love everything about fall!! The crispness, the leaves changing color, apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, watching my boys play soccer…… 🙂

    Reply
  8. Christina A. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:31 am

    I love the crisp air, fall colors and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks!!! hehe.

    Reply
  9. Kami S. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:35 am

    The weather! It is by far my favorite season!

    Reply
  10. Carrie says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Fall is just the best season ever. I love the cool air, the changing leaves, warm sweaters and jeans, apple and pumpkin desserts…and this year in November we will be adding a new little one to our family, so that’s another thing to love about fall! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Wendy says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Fall is my favorite season! I love the vibrant colors in the trees changing, the crisp air, and pumpkin lattes.

    Reply
  12. Suzanne G says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:45 am

    The colors and the cool weather. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Lisa G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:08 am

    I love the color changes, pumpkin everything, and the crispness of the air!

    Reply
  14. Beth says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:08 am

    What a cute wristelett!

    Reply
  15. Beth says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Whoops! Didn’t see it was suppose to be about fall!
    I love the cooler, sweater weather. (Wait, is it fall already?)

    Reply
  16. Meghan says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    I love the crispness in the air and everything pumpkin!

    Reply
  17. Cathy says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Favorite thing about fall is that it finally starts to cool down, at least in October. No more 100 degree weather, yippee!

    Reply
  18. Andrea says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Brisk air. Leaves changing colors. Pumpkins. Bonfires. Sweaters and Sweatshirts.

    Reply
  19. Michelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I love decorating for fall and all the yummy apple and pumpkin inspired recipes. Cozy clothes and the changing leaves. Always been one of my favorite times of the year.

    Reply
  20. Ashley G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Too Cute! Love it!!!

    Reply
  21. Ashley G says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:18 am

    My Favorite thing about fall is the cooler temps and getting to sit on my porch swing with a cup of coffee and a book while my daughter plays in the yard!

    Reply
  22. Mandy W says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:18 am

    All things apple and pumpkin, for starters!

    Reply
  23. Tabbetha says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:20 am

    My favorite thing about fall is the cooler weather, the beautiful colors, and the coziness inside our house as we settle into a routine from the craziness of summer.

    Reply
  24. Tanya says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I love the fall colors, able to wear hoodies, and bonfires

    Reply
  25. Anna says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Apple cider slushie and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!

    Reply
  26. Rachelle says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I love fall because it is another fresh start. We homeschool, so it’s fun getting into a different routine. The kids are excited to have fun in a different way and back into a little more formal learning routine than through the summer.

    Reply
  27. Malissa says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:28 am

    The cooler weather, watching the aspens change here in Colorado, and of course FOOTBALL 🙂 I love going to games at my daughters high school & watching her cheer 🙂

    Reply
  28. Alaina says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:28 am

    When we lived in VA, I loved the cooler weather and the colors of the trees. Now that we live in Fl, I still miss the cooler weather. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Tiffeny says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:30 am

    I love the cooler weather and the changing of the leaves.

    Reply
  30. Stacey says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:31 am

    I love the fall colors, cooler weather, sweatshirts, and high school football.

    Reply
  31. Tiffany DeOs says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:33 am

    I love the colors and the smell of fresh color crayons.

    Reply
  32. Andrea Miller says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Cool temps and pumpkin everything! 🙂

    Reply
  33. Marley says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:36 am

    I love wearing boots and curing up under warm blankets in the fall!

    Reply
  34. Deb says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I love fall the best! There is just something about how the sun shines through the trees.

    Reply
  35. Rachel says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I love all the colors and cooler weather!

    Reply
  36. Sarah says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I’m excited for a little more structure with the fall structure and looking forward to new Bible studies and connecting with other women. Now, of course, it would be kind of fun to walk in sporting a the new clutch in the give away. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Karen M says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Pumpkins and falling leaves and pretty much everything!!

    Reply
  38. Marilyn says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:56 am

    All the designs are very pretty! May have to start and do some early Christmas shopping.

    Reply
  39. Katie Wilmot says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Oh fall–it’s my favorite time of year!! One thing…hard to choose but I’m going to say hoodies. 🙂 I love the change in weather so that we can easily throw on hoodies with our shorts and flops for a little walk and be totally comfortable.

    Reply
  40. Melissa T. says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    I love pumpkin patches and cooler weather!

    Reply
  41. Susan says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Football!! My son is playing football for the first time this fall and we are so excited! I love fall!❤️

    Reply
  42. Natalie B says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    I love the crisp cool weather, changing colors, and apples!

    Reply
  43. Chels says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    What a neat little bag! I love the look of it.
    My favorite thing about Fall-what’s not my favorite thing. I adore scarves and boots, everything pumpkin, the decor, the way the air smells, the festivities. It’s my favorite time of the year.

    Reply
  44. Nicole says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I love the cool temperatures & the beautiful colors!

    Reply
  45. Lori Turner says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I cannot possibly pick just one thing! 🙂 I love football, pumpkin anything, fall decorations, cool air, hayrides, sweaters, did I mention pumpkins??

    Reply
  46. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    All things pumpkin!

    Reply
  47. Melinda Elam says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    I love the change of the seasons(although it does not last very long in Texas). I love opening the windows. I love the layers of clothes and fun styles.

    Reply
  48. Abigail says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Pumpkin Everything!!

    Reply
  49. Vanetta says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I love the fall colors, the crispness in the air, and ALL of the holidays which means for LOTS of opportunities to connect with family and friends. I’m all about the relationships!! I think my daughters, and dil would love this so am going to take a look at their website.

    Reply
  50. Brittany says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Fall is my favorite season! I love everything about it: the weather, the colors changing everywhere, fall food (PUMPKIN everything), and thanksgiving( one of my favorite holidays)!! ♥♥♥ 🙂

    Reply
  51. Stephanie Johnson says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    In-season apples

    Reply
  52. Geneva Nunez says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    Fall….oh, goodness, what is not to love??? The perfect just right weather, not too hot not too cold, the changing of the leaves, Friday Night Football at the high school, Saturday College Football and Sunday NFL Football and all the days of football in between, Halloween. I can go on and on and on. Did I mention Footbal!!!!!

    Reply
  53. NeeNah B says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Cooler weather, changing leaves, apples…my favorite weather!

    Reply
  54. Megs says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Fall! My favorite time of the year! There are so many things to love. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot. The beautiful colors of those leaves before they drift down to Earth’s floor. Fields of pumpkins waiting to be made into pie. Hayrides, corn mazes, apple picking at the orchard, fire pits and roasting marshmallows, making apple butter over an open fire outside with family. I think my absolute favorite is spending time my husband and boys outside. So much fun to be had!

    Reply
  55. Leslie says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    three words: High School Football!!

    Reply
  56. Sara H says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Those look adorable!

    Reply
  57. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Love love love!!! And I could really use both. Also, just prayed for you and thanked God for you and your ministry to us. You bless us! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Caroline says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Oh! And favorite thing about Fall? How it beckons us to linger in coffee shops, run faster to warm up, pull out the crockpot, pull on a cozy sweater… I could go on and on 🙂

    Reply
  59. Alyssa says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    My favorite thing about this fall is that we have a baby girl coming in October!

    Reply
  60. kathy says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    I love the cooler weather and the beginning of football season!

    Reply
  61. Anita Harkness says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    My favorite things about falls are the colors, cooler weather and the smell of burning leaves!

    Reply
  62. Katie says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    I love everything pumpkin!!! And the adorable layered clothing. 🙂

    Reply
  63. Marla Stanley says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I love everything PUMPKIN! and the crisp air, and crunchy leaves on the ground…but I HATE the cold weather and less sunshine…can we just skip winter? Haha!

    Reply
  64. Tania says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Love pumpkin! Also love fall squash- acorn, butternut, spaghetti.

    Reply
  65. Bethany says

    August 19, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    Everything! Pumpkin flavored stuff, apples, color!!!!!

    Reply
  66. Sheala says

    August 19, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    I love the colors of spring. It reminds you of hope. It’s just filled with beauty

    Reply
  67. Amy @ Eat Pray Workout says

    August 19, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    I love market shopping! It’s winter here in Australia, but this is the latest one I’ve been to, it was an artisan market, so many pretty things!: http://eatprayworkout.com/finders-keepers-markets-brisbane-2014/

    This one is my favourite farmers markets though: http://eatprayworkout.com/mitchelton-markets/

    Do you do your fruit and veg shopping at the markets or supermarket? xx

    Reply
  68. claire hoffpauir says

    August 19, 2014 at 6:12 pm

    I love changing of the leave colors. the weather is cooler and its not as muggy.

    Reply
  69. Stephanie H. says

    August 19, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Since I live in Texas, Fall is a GREAT……cooler weather 🙂

    Also I Love the scented fall candles.

    Reply
  70. Andrea P. says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    Fall weather = sweatshirts and jeans!

    Reply
  71. Sarah Matos says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I love everything about the fall! Cooler weather, pumpkin everything, fall scented candles, etc. etc.

    Reply
  72. Fran Tilden says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    I love the colours of the leaves on the trees and the cooler nights.

    Reply
  73. jackie says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    the smell of everything changing!

    Reply
  74. tinmo says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    I love all the fun fall foods (especially different varieties of squash.

    Reply
  75. deenles4evr says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    Fall-it is sensory overload:-)
    Vibrant colors of leaves, mums and other flowers.
    Smells bonfires, hot chocolate, pumpkin and spices, apples and Carmel
    Hearing the crunch crunch of leaves as I hike with my family, the sound of birds winging their way south
    Taste fall veggies; squash kale pumpkins , apples, pumpkins
    Snuggling with hubby under a throw as we watch the kids play, sitting close at a bonfire whispering our hopes and dreams.
    Love fall

    Reply
  76. Rox Anne says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I love the cooler weather. I love watching the leaves change! I’m ready for fall!!

    Reply
  77. Jennifer D. says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Everything! It’s my favorite time of year. The cooler temps, fall smells, pumpkin decorations, etc.

    Reply
  78. Brandy says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:35 am

    The smell and taste of cinnamon apples, pumpkins. Well anything with the yummy sice of cinnamon.

    Reply
  79. Deanna says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:41 am

    My favorite thing about fall is the crisp air, picking apples and pumpkins 🙂

    Reply
  80. Jackie says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:16 am

    I love the colors of the fall leaves and anything pumpkin.

    Reply
  81. hollycoty says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:34 am

    My perfect answer for this question four months ago would have been pumpkin spice latte hands down. However, since I gave up sugar around Mother’s Day in order to make myself a better mamma I don’t know! I am kind of scared/excited for the fall and Christmas to come because I will be finding out for the first time ever what I really love about these seasons without food being front and center. Eek!

    Reply
  82. marie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:36 am

    Sorry fall lovers, I’m the fall grinch.
    I love summer. I love going to the beach. I love BBQs. I love Italian ices. I love,having my boys home (even with the bickering). I love the,trees full of leaves. I love my vegetable garden… all of this fades away in the fall. Boohoooooo. 🙁

    The only thing I love about fall is Thanksgiving… and being a few months closer to Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
  83. marie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:40 am

    P.S. I already know who I’m getting that wristlet for!!! One of my friends who is all about the environment. 🙂

    Reply
  84. Tanya says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:50 am

    I love the colors of the leaves on the trees and the smell of chi lattes 🙂

    Reply
  85. Amy says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:10 am

    I love running in the cooler weather and watching my son play soccer on Saturday mornings.

    Reply
  86. pepper says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:28 am

    My favorite thing about fall is being outside with my kids in the cooler weather. Summers are HOT in TX!

    Reply
  87. Jessica Reno says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:35 am

    THAT is adorable! My favorite thing about fall is I can run again! It’s so hot here in the summer that I am not able to run like I want to.

    Reply
  88. Lynn C. says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:10 am

    The smell of burning leaves, fall festivals, wearing boots and sweaters.

    Reply
  89. Annie says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Crisp air!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  90. Christine says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Family outings to the pumpkin patch, apple pie, extended family get togethers, apple picking, and lots more!

    Reply
  91. Jessie Bates says

    August 20, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    My favorite thing about fall is the crispness of the air. It is so comforting and just sets me in a mood for the crunch of leaves beneath my feet and light sweaters.

    Reply
  92. Melanie says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    Living in an area where there is not a big change between seasons I still choose fall as my favorite. Living in Cali I enjoy the change in the way the sun shines a certain crisp of orange on the land. Decorating my house for fall and everything pumpkin really feels peaceful and gives that feeling of “hey relax, the weather is changing.”

    Reply
  93. Brooklyn W. says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    My favorite thing about fall is the smell; and the colors; and the fact that I get to wear my favorite clothes – scarves and hats and anything autumny! I also love that it’s not to hot and not to cold. 😉

    Reply
  94. Maureen says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Right now, I’m really looking forward to returning to a schedule and a rhythm when the kids go back to school

    Reply
  95. Alissa says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:03 pm

    I love everything about fall! I love the cool, crisp air, cozy sweaters, and bonfires.

    Reply
  96. Lacey says

    August 21, 2014 at 12:00 am

    My birthday is in the fall, so it gives me something to look forward to before winter hits.

    Reply
  97. Sherry H. says

    August 21, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Hurry up, fall!!! Recess duty in Louisiana is TOO hot now!! 😉
    I love the smells and the start of football season, PLUS it’s the time when my students FINALLY hit a comfortable groove in the school routine!!
    🙂

    Reply
  98. Angie J says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:20 am

    I love the colors and crisp, cool air. 🙂

    Reply
  99. Erin Ellis says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:07 am

    My favorite thing about fall is crisp runs in the early morning. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin

    Reply
  100. Robin says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:57 am

    I love EVERYTHING about Fall. The beauty is my favorite… cooler weather, beautiful colorful trees, etc. These bags go PERFECTLY with fall!

    Reply
  101. Ilka J. W. says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    County fairs, and apple cider!
    I’d also say “weather fit for ‘in-between-clothes'”, since they suit my body type better – but summer has been cool here, so this year, it does not really matter…

    Reply
  102. Amanda Evans says

    August 21, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Boots and sweaters, fires, FOOTBALL

    Reply
  103. Christy says

    August 22, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    I love lots of things about fall: the smells, the cool weather, the colors, the preparing for winter (though I do get tired of the food preservation!).

    Reply
  104. Dawn Keenan says

    August 22, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    I love the smell of the fresh, clean air.

    Reply
  105. Carmen N says

    August 23, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Apple picking and cooler weather

    Reply
  106. Christina says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:45 am

    I love the colors and the cooler weather.

    Reply
  107. Julie says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Decorations and food!

    Reply
  108. Paula says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Love the colors, the smells

    Reply
  109. Jennifer says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Fall is my absolute favorite season, the leaves changing beautiful colors, cider mills to get warm donuts and cider, and the perfect temps!!

    Reply
  110. Stacy says

    August 23, 2014 at 11:22 am

    Love the leaf colors, and the cool crisp air. Apples right off the tree, with warm cider too!!!

    Reply
  111. Nikki Tibbetts says

    August 23, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    I love the lower humidity and cooler temperatures. It means leaves are changing and football Saturdays are near.

    Reply
  112. Valerie Reeder says

    August 23, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    The atmosphere is what I love!

    Reply
  113. Bethany B says

    August 23, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    I have a nice pair of boots that I can’t wait to wear again once fall hits Texas!
    (Boots and pants and boots and pants… 😉 )

    Reply
  114. Tina Cook says

    August 23, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    I love the smell of fall, the cool weather, and wearing my favorite boots!

    Reply
  115. Dee says

    August 23, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Crispness in the air, apples, spices, leaves, smell of fall, football…..ALL of Fall is my favorite. 🙂

    Reply
  116. Sarah Hall says

    August 23, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    Cooler temps. Fall clothes. Boots. Leaves changing. Pumpkins. FOOTBALL. Fall scents.

    Reply
  117. Tricia says

    August 23, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    I love fall! The smells, colors and getting to routines and new adventures!

    Reply
  118. Sophie says

    September 1, 2014 at 5:02 am

    love the weather, love the fresh air and love the bags too! they look great!

    Reply

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“I don’t know” is the response I get to aski “I don’t know” is the response I get to asking what the next step is when someone comes to me with a relationship, health, faith, career or leadership question. Now to be fair, true...sometimes people are truly asking for help discerning that next right thing but many times I find they are really asking for me for confirmation.

Some of you are sitting stagnant because you keep telling yourself that you don’t know. I think you do know, you are just afraid of the implications and uncertainty of that decision. To be expected. Moving from comfort never comes without risk. 

I’m just here to tell some of you that it’s time. You’ve got enough info and have prayed about it long enough to move forward. When you know, you know. 👊🏻
There is great power in letting go and trusting Go There is great power in letting go and trusting God. This doesn’t come easy, so if you can’t say this yet about the situation at hand, keep bringing it to Him in prayer! 🤍

“Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.” Psalms‬ ‭9:10‬
“Why are you looking for the living among the de “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen!” Luke‬ ‭24:5-6‬

What a day to rejoice! My Savior and reason for everything is alive! Happy Easter, friends! 🤍🤍🤍
Just because you didn’t choose it doesn’t mean Just because you didn’t choose it doesn’t mean that God won’t use it. The imperfect world weaves its way in and out of our stories. Feel the feels, then look it straight in the face and believe for something more. #presson #redemption
“Soft and fiery, beautifully fierce..” I’ve “Soft and fiery, beautifully fierce..”

I’ve always had a fire in me. I can’t explain it except that I knew I was always “more” than the season, place & age I was in. Not in a prideful way, but in a “I want to change the world” sort of way. For most of my life I’ve tried to push that down as strong, “facts-based”, articulate, independent women were not applauded in the faith, cultural and “general” worlds I lived. But pulling back and softening my “edge” only lead me to a dull, apathetic, and boring life. 

God, in His grace, has taken me on a journey over the last few years to free me to who He created me to be...which included keeping my edge and fierceness. Along with that this, He’s grown my capacity to carry a soft and tender side deep down just as equally. It’s taken work. Getting gritty. Facing hard things. Grief. Tears. But all that has made me into the woman I know God has been building all these years. 

I never felt like everyone else like but not because I wanted to be like everyone..but just because I never knew anyone like me who modeled what I felt God planted deep in me at an early age. One of my passions now is to be that woman for other young women who feel the same burn as me, and to help them take that fire, balance it with tenderness, truth and love & rock the worlds in which they live.

The photographer of this pic referenced me as a “leader of leaders” and while I knew I was born a leader, I never considered that maybe this great intensity and strength inside was meant for something even more. What a gift and I hold that so humbly. Grateful for all of you who have made me into the woman I am today on my 41st birthday. Let’s do this thing. 🔥 #firestarter #flamethrower

📷: @reach1creative
Top quote: @xoenneagram
I had the privilege of baptizing my sweet friend G I had the privilege of baptizing my sweet friend Gracie Sunday at church. One of my greatest joys is walking with people through their life, teaching, encouraging & loving on them as they learn to make their faith their own. (Aka: discipleship)

There is nothing- and I mean nothing- like someone sitting across from you hungry to eat whatever you dish them. A sponge for truth and a pure heart to just listen... that was Gracie.

Every wed night during the community group hubs and I lead, we would pick a topic, or review the sermon or the group would ask a question, or I would go on one of my “holy spiritual Clare tangents” 😂 and right then & there with the teaching & encouragement from other mature believers in our group, is where part of her growth in Christ came. (We often would split up guys/girls during this time)

Wed. Nights were just part of Gracie’s growth. Slide through the pics and you will see the larger perspective of a group of women surrounding Gracie and me. These are her “tribe”.. women who texted every day about what they were reading in the word. Prayer requests. Life updates. They became Gracie’s daily lifeline while I came in as a weekly jolt. 😉

You know who benefited from this? All of us. In different ways, we all grew and were encouraged. You know what else grew? Our church because we were unified from within. 

Not only do we learn from one another in community, but we learn ourselves best too. Scary? Heck yeah! But so vital. We need one another..to cry with. Ask Questions (Run dating app profiles past 😂) but.. to celebrate together too!  There is nothing like it. Dive in! Let’s gooo!! #lovegodloveothers
Be it our silence or reading between the lines, we Be it our silence or reading between the lines, we all need someone who is able to see more than what we outwardly portray. I’m thankful for friends who are willing to work with me through what I’m not saying and many times don’t REALIZE I’m not saying.

Tag ya girl who does this for you and hey while you’re at it, check in on that friend that you are sensing needs you to speak some love, truth and encouragement! 🤍 Your gut is probably right!
Past relationships. Spiritual warfare. Natural ten Past relationships. Spiritual warfare. Natural tendencies. Family of origin...to name a few.

I would encourage you today to look at the situations you are in that are consuming your life, then run it through the possibility that there is more than meets the eye as to why it’s “a thing” in your life.

None of us walk through life in nice, clean boxes but instead a fully integrated stream of stories. The work comes when we can step back and see all that is coming into play but that won’t come if you’ve always got something taking your attention.

Find some time today on a walk, in the car line waiting to get the kids, or in the quiet moments before bed and journal out all the factors that may be coming into play with what is happening in your life. Don’t edit.. freely brainstorm and then pray and allow the Holy Spirit start to “highlight” the things He wants you to take note of. May not come immediately but I assure you... they will come. 

We may be limited beings without the ability to see everything clearly as they are but we have access to the One who will help us see clearly exactly what we need for our next step in maturity in Him. Let’s be faithful in that. 🤍
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© 2021 · Clare Smith · Design by Heart & Arrow

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